Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD

Thought for the Day – 25 June – Purity of Intention

Thought for the Day – 25 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Purity of Intention

Principles:

God alone is deserving of all our love.

We should do everything, which we should wish to have done, at the hour of death.

We should live on earth, as if nothing else existed but God and ourselves (Ibid).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/17/thought-for-the-day-16-june-purity-of-intention/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/14/thought-for-the-day-14-june-purity-of-intention/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS

Thought for the Day – 24 June – The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Thought for the Day – 24 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Necessity of Devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O my Jesus, Thou Who art Love itself, enkindle in my heart the divine fire which consumed and transformed the Saints!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/02/thought-for-the-day-1-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/24/thought-for-the-day-24-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 23 June – Spiritual Communion

Thought for the Day – 23 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Spiritual Communion

St Thomas Aquinas calls the Eucharist “the Sacrament of Love” (Opuse 38:25).
When love is ardent and sincere, it longs for constant contact with the beloved.
Spiritual Communion can be made in a single instant, for it requires only an Act of Faith and an Act of Love.

Jesus, come into my heart, for I have need of You.
I love You, my Jesus, keep me close to You always.

Aspiration: O Jesus, I cling to You, with all my heart!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/28/thought-for-the-day-28-june-spiritual-communion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/12/thought-for-the-day-12-february-spiritual-communion/

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 22 June – Frequent Communion

Thought for the Day – 22 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Frequent Communion

“Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/21/thought-for-the-day-21-august-frequent-communion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/22/thought-for-the-day-22-june-frequent-communion/

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PURITY

Thought for the Day – 21 June – St Aloysius Gonzaga

Thought for the Day – 21 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

St Aloysius Gonzaga

St Aloysius, obtain for me from God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, purity of life, the spirit of penance and of prayer and great love for God and for my neighbour, now and in all my remaining days here below that I may join you in praising God for all eternity. Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/21/thought-for-the-day-21-june-st-aloysius-gonzaga/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/21/thought-for-the-day-21-june-st-aloysius-gonzaga-2/

Posted in EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 20 June – The Eucharistic Life

Thought for the Day – 20 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Eucharistic Life

May the Most Blessed Sacrament, be forever praised and adored!

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
Good Jesus, hear me
Within Your wounds, shelter me
from turning away, keep me
From the evil one, protect me
At the hour of my death, call me
Into Your presence lead me
to praise You with all Your saints
Forever and ever,
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/08/thought-for-the-day-8-august-the-eucharistic-life/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/20/thought-for-the-day-20-june-the-eucharistic-life/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOTES to Followers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY NAME

Update: Storms, Floods and Black-outs continue across the Cape

Bless you all my dear Friends for your kind prayers and thoughts. After nearly 70 hours of darkness the power was restored overnight on Friday 16 June but sadly, as the storms continued, fallen tree branches, amongst other natural havoc, damaged many power lines and after about 10 hours of LIGHT, we were once again plunged into darkness. Another +-20 hours of darkness followed but is now once again restored. I pray that I will be back online tomorrow morning.

May God bless you all and shine his Face upon Cape Town! 🙏🙌💖🤗 Ana

Most Holy Mary, may I follow your example here on earth.
Please lead us, together with your Divine Son, Jesus,
here in our earthly pilgrimage,
for you never once lost sight of God.
May the darkness of this world not encompass me,
for with you beside me and Christ around me,
I will be safe.
For the beauty of the created things
can be a snare of immense power.
May the Light of your Son,
be my beacon and Light my path
and intercede for me,
that I may ever radiate His Light.
Grant that I may see, in all things,
the Presence and Beauty of God alone,
so that I may always continue to advance,
nearer and nearer to Him.
Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
Apostle of the Most Holy Name

Jesus,
Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
Thou art the Refuge of those who repent,
our Banner of warfare in this life,
the Medicine of souls,
the Comfort of those who mourn,
the Delight of those who believe,
the Light of those who preach the true faith,
the Wages of those who toil,
the Cure of the sick.
To Thou, our devotion aspires;
by Thee, our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating Thee.
O Name of Jesus,
Thou art the glory
of all the Saints for eternity.
Amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 14 June – The Divine Worker

Thought for the Day – 14 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Divine Worker

“We should accept our daily work and sanctify it with prayer as Jesus did.
To pray and to work” was the ancient motto of the Benedictines.

All work which is done with and for God, becomes, as it were, a sacrament which purifies and sanctifies us.
When we offer the sweat of our brow to God it becomes like holy water which washes away our faults, while our weariness is converted into prayer.

Aspiration: Jesus, Divine Worker, bless me, help me and makle me holy.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/15/thought-for-the-day-14-june-the-divine-worker/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/15/thought-for-the-day-15-june-the-divine-worker/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, SACRAMENTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 12 June – The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

Thought for the Day – 12 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Holy Mass
The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

“Let us meditate on the fact, that the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, was instituted for four ends, namely:

1. TO HONOUR GOD
All the Angels and Saints of Heaven and all the human beings upon earth, could not possibly honour God, as He ought to be honoured because, they are creatures who derive everything which they possess from God.
Only Jesus the God-Man, could offer the Eternal Father, the infinite honour due to Him, by offering Himself.

2. TO MAKE ADEQUATE SATISFACTION FOR ALL OUR SINS
Insofar, as they are a revolt against God, our sins are, in a certain way, infinite.
This is because they offend an Infinite Being.
Only Jesus, being at the same time man and God, could offer for us, His brothers, an infinite satisfaction to the Eternal Father.
Only He, could redeem us from the debt of crime and punishment, which we had contracted, by offering Himself, without reserve, in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
It must be explained, however, that although the Mass is of infinite value in itself, God applies this value to us in a finite way only, according to His good pleasure and according to our dispositions.
For this reason, we should do well to attend Mass, as often as possible and with the maximum fervour.

3. TO GIVE THANKSGIVING TO GOD for all the benefits which we have received from Him.

4. Finally, TO OBTAIN ALL THE GRACES AND FAVOURS of which we and others stand in need.
The Mass is an extraordinary gift.
Let us attend at Mass with recollection and devotion.
It will be for us, the source of every grace and virtue!”
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/11/thought-for-the-day-11-june-the-holy-mass/

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 11 June – The Holy Mass

Thought for the Day – 11 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Holy Mass

The Sacrifice of the Mass is the noblest act of our religion.
In it is renewed, in a real but unbloody manner, the Sacrifice of Calvary.

Jesus desired to remain with us throughout the centuries in the Blessed Eucharist as our friend, comforter and spiritual food.
Similarly, not being satisfied with having shed His Precious Blood on the Cross for our Redemption, it was His wish that this sacrificial action should be renewed daily in every corner of the world, in such a way, that everyone could participate in it and benefit from it.
When we are present at Holy Mass, therefore, we should imagine that we are on Calvary at the foot of the Cross on which our Divine Redeemer is voluntarily giving His Life, as an innocent Victim, for our sins.
Let us see Him hanging between earth and sky, a holocaust of propitiation between God and men.

Let us see Him imploring with His dying glance, forgiveness for His executioners and for us sinners.

Let us imagine, moreover, His most Holy Mother as she gazes sorrowfully upon her suffering Son.
With love far greater than that of any other human creature, she offers herself in union with Jesus, for our salvation.

We should make a similar offering when we assist at the Sacrifice of the Altar.
We should sacrifice ourselves along with Jesus.
If we are tormented by sufferings, let us offer them up along with those of Jesus.
If we are troubled by passionate inclinations to sin, let us sacrifice these bravely, along with Jesus and for love of Him.
If we are full of hatred and coldness towards others, let us sacrifice these feelings for love of Jesus, Who forgave everyone who asked and repented and prayed even for His executioners.

Let us remember, that the Sacrifice of the Mass should be our sacrifice too,
It is not only the Priest who offers it but we offer it along with the Priest and with Jesus.

Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee.
Let us unite the offering of our entire selves to the Sacrifice of Jesus and we sgall obtain great spiritual benefits.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 10 June – “Learn from Me, For I Am Meek and Humble of Heart”

Thought for the Day – 10 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Learn From Me, For I Am Meek
and Humble of Heart”

“Jesus is perfection itself.
In Him, therefore, every virtue is to be found.
He could truly claim that He fulfilled in Himself the precept: “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
Throughout His life, He performed in a perfect manner, the will of His heavenly Father:  “I do always the things that are pleasing to Him” (Jn 8:29).

Jesus Christ provided us with an example of every virtue.
As the foundation of all the virtues, He insisted on the great precept of loving God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves.
In proposing Himself as a model, however, this is what He said: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart and ou will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29).
The outstanding example which Jesus gave us for our imitation, was this meekness and humility of heart.
We shall have peace of soul only, if we are meek and humble.

In what did the humility of Jesus consist?
He was God and He became man.
He, Who possessed everything was born poor in a wretched stable and lived as a lowly workman for thirty years.
He allowed Himself to be betrayed by one of His Apostles, to be sentenced to death as an evildoer and, finally, to be executed on the Cross.

He combined humility with gentleness.
He was happy when He could receive back penitent sinners and grant them forgiveness and peace.
Let us recall the examples of Mary Magdalen, the adulteress, the lost sheep, the prodigal son and, finally, the repentant thief, to whom He promised the reward of Heaven.
What greater gentleness and mercy could we ever find?

To the present day, moreover, Jesus Christ is hidden in the Blessed Eucharist under the consecrated species and appeals to us to imitate and love Him.

When we are disturbed by pride, ambition, or worldly desires, let us go to Jesus and kneel in silence before the Tabernacle.
“Learn from me,” He will say to us once more, “for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 June – ‘… Let us ask for the life-giving Bread …’

Quote/s of the Day – 10 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

He who eats My Flesh
and drinks My Blood,
abides in Me and I in him.

John 6:57

This bread you see on the Altar,
consecrated by the Word of God,
is the Body of Christ.
This cup consecrated by the Word of God,
or rather its contents, is the Blood of Christ.
In these two elements our Lord desired to hand over,
for our veneration and love,
His Body and Blood,
shed for the remission of our sins.
If you have received them with a good disposition,
then you are what you have received.
As the Apostle Paul declares:
“We are, all of us, one bread, one body”
(1 Cor 10,17)…

St Augustine (354-430)
Father, Doctor of Grace

Enrich your soul in the great goodness of God –
The Father is your Table,
the Son is your Food
and the Holy Spirit waits on you
and then makes His Dwelling in you.

St Catherine of Siena OP (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

The soul must be nourished, as well as the body,
for it has its own life which is worn away
by the daily conflict against sinful inclinations
and by the constant struggle to achieve sanctity.
It needs to be nourished by the word of God,
by His grace and especially,
by receiving the Author of grace frequently
in Holy Communion. …
“Whoever eats this Bread shall live forever.”
Let us ask for the life-giving Bread,
for ourselves and for our unfortunate brothers
who are living apart from Jesus,
in a state of spiritual death.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 9 June – The Sacred Heart of Jesus Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

Thought for the Day – 9 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

“St Margaret Mary saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surmounted by flames in the midst of which, a Cross was raised on high.
These flames and this Cross, were the symbol of the infinite love of Jesus.
Let us reflect a little.
God, immeasurably happy in Himself, wished to communicate a share in His happiness to men, whom He created in a state of earthly happiness.
He was offended by men and, when He saw that they were heading for destruction, He sent His Eternal Word to them.
The Word took a human nature and became our Brother;  He preached the way to Heaven and gave us the means to achieve it.
More than this, He offered Himself as a divine victim of expiation for our sins.
Having been condemned by those whom He had come to show the way, He died on the Cross and shed all His Blood, for our salvation.

Pagans of all times have called this “the folly of the Cross.”
In fact, it is the miracle of the infinite love of God for humanity.
Let us remember, however, that, although His love and goodness are infinite, so also is His justice!
It is an overwhelming miracle of love on the part of God, that He became man and died for us.
It will be our own downfall if we fail to co-operate with this miracle of love!

The same Jesus, Who died on the Cross for us and revealed His Heart, pierced and flaming with love, will one day appear with the same glorious Sign of the Cross, as our Supreme Judge.
Then, He will say to the wicked: “Depart from me, accursed ones, into everlasting fire!

God’s justice is, as infinite as His charity!
We must choose either the way of the Cross, the way of love and goodness to which the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us, or the way of sin, which leads to the gulf of ruin and the final condemnation of the Supreme Judge.

This is the tremendous choice we have to make!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 8 June – Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

Thought for the Day – 8 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

“In many Diocese and Parishes, there exist Associations of devout people who take it in turns to pray before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
There ought to be some such association everywhere because, everyone who has a sincere love for the Holy Eucharist, should feel the need of spending some time in Adoration and in conversation with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

The Saints often spent days and nights in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
What about you?
Even if you are not members of a Eucharistic association, you should put aside some time everyday, for a visit to Jesus in the Tabernacle.
There you will find the strength to put your good resolutions into effect.
You will find consolation in your troubles and rest for your souls.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/05/thought-for-the-day-5-august-adoration-of-jesus-in-the-blessed-sacrament/

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – Corpus Christi

Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Feast of Corpus Christi – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

I Am the Living Bread
Who came down from Heaven.
If any man eat of this Bread,
he shall live forever
and the Bread that I will give,
is My Flesh, for the Life of the world.

John 6:51-52

Source of all we have or know,
feed and lead us here below.
Grant that with Your saints above,
Sitting at the feast of love,
We may see You face to face.

Amen Alleluia!

Lord Jesus Christ,
in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
we Adore and Love You!

( The last Verse of the Lauda Sion,
the Eucharistic Hymn/Sequence

By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

The Saviour has instituted
the most glorious Sacrament
of the Eucharist,
which truly contains His Body and His Blood,
so that, whoever eats it will live forever.
Therefore, those who receive it frequently,
with devotion, strengthen their spiritual life
and well-being, to such an extent,
that it is almost impossible for them
to be poisoned by any kind of evil attachment.

(Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 20)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

I desire, good Jesus,
to receive Thee in Holy Communion
and since I cannot now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually
and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God and my All!
Come to me
and never let me ever again
be separated from Thee by sin.
Teach me Thy blessed ways,
help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example,
to practise meekness, humility,
charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart.
My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will
and to love Thee, more and more.
Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service.
Bless me in life and in death,
that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven,
Amen

It is enough for us to love Him
and to be ready to keep His commandments.
Such an act of sincere
and effective love for Jesus,
will cause Him to enter
and to remain in our hearts,
even after the Sacramental Species
has been consumed.
This is Spiritual Communion,
which consists mainly in the yearning for Jesus.
“I have come to cast fire upon the earth
and what will I but, that it be kindled”
(Lk 12:49).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 7 June – The Promises Made to Those who Practise Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Thought for the Day – 7 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Promises Made to Those Who Practise
Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“The promises made by Jesus to those who are truly devoted to His Sacred Heart, are a new proof of His Infinite Love and Mercy.
However, if anyone were to cultivate devotion to the Sacred Heart, merely to gain His benefits and to think more of his own spiritual and temporal advantage than of Jesus, he would display a niggardly spirit, quite unworthy of the Lord’s favour.

The worship of the Sacred Heart could degenerate into a kind of utilitarian egoism, undeserving of the name of devotion at all!
Pious practices, could become cold and formal and degenerate into sentimentality tinged with superstition.
There is nothing to prevent us asking the Sacred Heart for graces and favours which we need.
In fact, we should do so, for it is He Who has made these promises to us and is eager to fulfil them because He loves us.
But, we should be generous with Jesus in return for His Infinite Generosity towards us.
We should love Him because He is so worthy of our love.
Our love should be expressed, not only in prayers and outward forms but, in a deep personal transformation, which will make us more like Jesus.

True love transforms and unites two hearts.
Let us love Jesus and we shall live with Jesus, through Jesus and in Jesus.
His love will effect in us, the miracle which it produces in St Paul.
To me to live is Christ!” (1 Phil 1:21).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/07/thought-for-the-day-7-june-the-promises-made-to-those-who-practise-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart/

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 6 June – The Worship of the Sacred Heart in Relation to the Love of God and of Our Neighbour

Thought for the Day – 6 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Worship of the Sacred Heart
in Relation to the Love of God and of Our Neighbour

The cult of the Sacred Heart demands, especially, the practice of the two great fundamental precepts of our Catholic Faith, namely, that we should love God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves.
The implementation of this teaching will transform our lives.

Do we love God above all things and more than we love ourselves?
What is the predominant concept in our minds?
Is it the concept of God?
What is the first love in our hearts?
Is it the love of God?
What is our main desire in life?
Is it the glory of God?
Or is it our own glory or our own pleasure?

We have still, a long way to go in the way of love of God which is the way of perfectiuon.
We can only really be said to be ourselves moreover, when we love God above all things and more than ourselves.
If a man does not love God above all things, neither does he love himself in the way in which he ought to love himself because, God is our only true to happiness.

Do we love our neighbour as ourselves?
How much moral and physical wretchedness do we see around us?
But do we try to remedy it by every means in our power, no matter what the sacrifice?
Or are we cold and disinterested?

Let us remember the words of St John the Apostle of Charity.
In this we have come to know His love that He laid down His life for us and we likewise, ought to lay down our life for the brethren” (1 Jn 3:16).
Are we prepared to do this?
Are we at least prepared to give away whatever do do not need ourselves, in order to relieve poverty and want?

Anyone who is lacking in an effective love for God and for his neighbours, has no real devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/06/thought-for-the-day-6-june-the-worship-of-the-sacred-heart-in-relation-to-the-love-of-god-and-of-our-neighbour/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on DEATH, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY VIATICUM

Thought for the Day – 5 June – The Sacred Heart and the Holy Viaticum

Thought for the Day – 5 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Sacred Heart and the Holy Viaticum

From a sudden and unprovided death,
O Lord, deliver us.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
I give Thee my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
assist me now
and in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with Thee.
Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-sacred-heart-and-the-holy-viaticum/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-sacred-heart-and-the-holy-viaticum-2/

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Thought for the Day – 4 June – Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

Thought for the Day – 4 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

“Finally, we are, or should be, the temples of the Holy Spirit.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19) writes St Paul.
Man,” writes St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Doctor of the Church, “is composed of body and soul. The Catholic is composed of body and soul AND the Holy Spirit.
Before this can be said of us, however, it is necessary for Divine Grace to flourish and bear fruit within us.
Then the soul will really have become God’s dwelling-place.
It will be like a miniature Heaven, in which the Lord gloriously reigns!

Let us study the Saints carefully.
They live in this world but they are not immersed in it.
Their souls are already in Heaven through grace, even as they will one day reside there in glory.
Because of this, their personalities radiate peace and contentment.

Of them it can truly be said: “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Phil 3:20).
We should never allow sin to deprive us of the Holy Spirit.
Let everything in us be clean and pure, as becomes Saints of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/thought-for-the-day-2-september-our-relationship-with-the-most-holy-trinity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/12/thought-for-the-day-12-june-our-relationship-with-the-most-holy-trinity/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 2 June – The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Thought for the Day – 2 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Necessity of Devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O my Jesus, Thou Who art Love itself, enkindle in my heart the Divine Fire which consumed and transformed the Saints.
Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/02/thought-for-the-day-1-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/thought-for-the-day-2-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOTES to Followers, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“All devotions which have been approved by the Church are valuable because they are acts of religion which have as their object, the author of all holiness and source of all goodness.
By these acts, God is adored, thanked and supplicated by His children who have been redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to the Saints, is also directed, ultimately, towards God, Who has endowed His faithful servants, especially the Mother of Jesus, with His gifts and graces and has established them as mediators by His Throne.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, however, is not one of the many pious practices merely permitted or recommended by the Church.
Fundamentally, it is a devotion which is essential for any Christians, insofar, as it is the cult of the love of God made man for our sakes.

We know that Christianity is the religion of love.
“God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
Everything flows from God’s love for mankind – both the Creation and the Redemption, for God created us out of love and redeemed us with the love of His Only-begotten Son Who became man and died for us
and, both the Old and the New Law, for the basis of the Old Law was “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” (Deut 6:4) and the commandment of charity, was called by Jesus His own commandment, on which His entire teaching was based.
The Sacraments, especially the Blessed Eucharist, have their origin in the same infinite love.
So have the graces which God gives us, our justification, through the merits of our Redeemer and the final reward for which we hope in Heaven.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is the worship of this infinite love, of which, it is a living symbol.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

I am running out of the wondrous words of our beloved Cardinal Bacci. As many enriching writings as there are in our beautiful Faith, I have found none other as direct and powerful as he AND, most importantly, one who covers the entire Liturgical year.
I will, therefore, introduce, where appropriate, other reflections but where no-one else, in my knowledge, has a suitable meditation, I will be re-visiting our dear Cardinal Bacci, i.e. starting from post one and perhaps highlighting a different quote than previously.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH

Thought for the Day – 31 May – Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

Thought for the Day – 31 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

O Mary, my tender Mother, be at my side throughout my life but especially at the hour of death.
Shelter me beneath thy maternal mantle and never let me be far apart from thee.
Grant that I may have a calm and peaceful death like thine own, a death made easy by a great love for Jesus and for thee, by the reception of the Holy Sacraments and by thy special blessing and presence, amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/31/thought-for-the-day-31-may-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/thought-for-the-day-31-may-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death-2/

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PENTECOST, QUOTES on GRACE, Quotes on SALVATION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 30 May – Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

Thought for the Day – 30 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

“The Apostles were completely transformed after the Feast of Pentecost.
They had ben ignorant rustics, timid and vacillating.
They had hardly understood at all, the lofty teachings of Christ, for they were hoping still for an earthly kingdom in which they would occupy the highest posts.

When they received the Holy Spirit, however, their minds were flooded with supernatural light and they became heroic in their resolution.
Ignorant, though they had been, they became masters of Truth, far superior to the sages of Athens or the philosophers of Rome!
They were no longer timid and hesitating but, fearlessly encountered the power of the Sanhedrin, the whips of the soldiery, the dangers of long voyages and, Martyrdom itself.

We too have received the illumination and favours of the Holy Spirit.
Many times, when we have invoked Him, He has inspired and consoled us.
But we may not have responded with the same fervour and self-denial as the Apostles.
Let us remember that, to neglect God’s gifts, is to risk our eternal salvation!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/30/thought-for-the-day-30-may-bearer-of-the-treasures-of-grace/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 29 May – The Great Exile

Thought for the Day – 29 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Great Exile

Holy Mary my Mother, grant that God may rule my mind and that thou may be always in my thoughts.
Help me to live always in the Presence of God and to dedicate all my thoughts, desires ands affections to Him.
Grant that all the actions of my poor life, may be in accordance with His Holy Will.
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/29/thought-for-the-day-29-may-the-great-exile/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/29/thought-for-the-day-28-may-the-great-exile/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PENTECOST, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 28 May – The Feast of Pentecost

Thought for the Day – 28 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Feast of Pentecost

“Let us pray fervently to the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray with the Church:
Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us recollect ourselves in prayer before the Spirit of God on this day of Pentecost.
Let us renew our resolutions and entrust them to Him so that He may help us to carry them out.

Aspiration: Come into our hearts, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-feast-of-pentecost/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/23/thought-for-the-day-22-june-the-feast-of-pentecost/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HOPE

Thought for the Day – 27 May – Mary, Our Hope

Thought for the Day – 27 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, Our Hope

O Mary, my Mother, I place my trust in you because I know, that your intercession, is all-powerful with your Divine Son, Jesus.
Help me to detach myself completely from sin and, to conquer my rebellious inclinations.
Grant that I may imitate the shining example of your sanctity in such a way, that you may be truly my hope and my sure refuge, now and at the hour of my death.
Amen
.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/thought-for-the-day-13-may-mary-our-hope/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/29/thought-for-the-day-29-october-mary-our-hope/

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 26 May – “All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed”

Thought for the Day – 26 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed

O Mary, my loving Mother, I wish to add my voice to the millions of voices which have proclaimed thy blessedness throughout the ages.
Grant that my recognition of thy sanctity may not be merely verbal but may be proved by deeds.
Let me do more than pray to thee as my Mother, my Queen and my powerful Mediatrix with God.
Let me also acknowledge that thou are all this to me by a practical and filial imitation of thou outstanding virtues.
Amen
.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/12/thought-for-the-day-12-may-all-generations-shall-call-me-blessed/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/12/thought-for-the-day-12-may-all-generations-shall-call-me-blessed-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PEACE

Thought for the Day – 25 May – The Search for God

Thought for the Day – 25 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Search for God

Holy Mary, help me to aim at pleasing God throughout my life.
Help me to see Him in all things, to love Him in all my affections, to direct all my thoughts and desires towards Him.
This is the only way in which I can become like you, my Mother.
In this way, I shall find peace on earth, even in the midst of suffering and the happiness in Heaven, which will never pass away.
Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/11/thought-for-the-day-11-may-the-search-for-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/thought-for-the-day-11-may-the-search-for-god-2/

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 24 May – The Recollection of Mary

Thought for the Day – 24 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Recollection of Mary

Holy Mary, thou who are constantly close to God, obtain for me too, this interior spirit of prayer.
Then, I shall be able to raise my thoughts to God in the midst of worldly confusion and I shall not surrender to the enchantments of worldly pleasures.
Under thou protection, I shall always remain united to God, Who is my only true good.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/24/thought-for-the-day-24-may-the-recollection-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/24/thought-for-the-day-24-may-the-recollection-of-mary-2/

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 23 May – Prayer to Mary, Our Mother

Thought for the Day – 23 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer to Mary, Our Mother

O Mary, be my merciful and kind Mother always but especially when you see me struggling against temptation and against the wiles of the devil.
Grant that I may never fall and offend God again.
I need you so much.
Help me and save me.
Amen
.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/22/thought-for-the-day-22-may-prayer-to-mary-our-mother/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/23/thought-for-the-day-23-may-prayer-to-mary-our-mother/